Until the running game becomes a threat where Van Pelt can sequence runs and passes together, the Patriots offense will play with one hand tied behind its back. Still, the offensive line’s struggles have been palpable in practice. On Tuesday we counted at least six falls where pressure was an issue. Mainly, internal pressure, created by Christian Barmore and friends.
While it’s a positive note on Barmore, who ruined multiple passing plays and was an absolute force, these O-Line issues aren’t surprising given the personnel on paper. We’ll give this group some time to solidify, and it’s always harder to block with your feet and hands without any contact.
That said, it wouldn’t surprise anyone following this team closely if the line is their offensive downfall this season, and early results suggest it will be a problem.
3. WR JuJu Smith-Schuster flashes for the first time this spring, what is his role?
Early in practice, there was an extended special teams period during which we got a good look at the Patriots’ strategy for the new kickoff rules. During that period, it came to attention that Smith-Schuster was the only receiver working with WR coach Tyler Hughes on the other field. The other 11 receivers on the roster had special teams roles they were working on with coordinator Jeremy Springer.
At that point, you realize Smith-Schuster is the highest-paid wide receiver on the team, has no four-down versatility, and is coming off a disappointing season. In a crowded room of wide receivers, where does JuJu fit in? To his credit, this was the most notable Smith-Schuster this spring, connecting with Brissett (under route) and Maye (corner route) for touchdowns during red zone work.
Although there are salary cap implications, Smith-Schuster should make the Patriots roster without a special teams role. He will have to keep racking up good days to avoid being a salary cap casualty.
4. DeMario Douglas heats up and is the best pat receiver in open practices
The Patriots are adding two rookie receivers that have everyone excited, but that doesn’t mean they should forget about Pop Douglas. Douglas had a breakout rookie season (49 receptions, 561 yards), with more receiving yards than any Pats rookie in decades.
On Tuesday, Douglas caught three of his four targets, entering a mid-practice warmup where his speed was too much for New England’s defense in the slot. Second-rounder Ja’Lynn Polk has been quiet during team drills (zero receptions Tuesday), while free agent addition KJ Osborn was more notable in this session than others (two receptions).
Still, neither Osborn nor Polk have done anything to separate themselves, while Douglas has consistently been the Patriots’ best spacer this spring.
5. Tight ends are more focused while working in the low red zone
New England’s tight ends drew the most attention in this intense red zone practice. You can’t evaluate blocking in the run game without pads, which is a big part of the equation for tight ends in this offense. However, Hunter Henry managed two touchdowns during red zone work, while rookie Jaheim Bell and La’Michael Pettway also scored. Henry looked his usual self and was a reliable target for the Patriots’ QBs. Bell made his first notable practice play by rising over Josh Bledsoe for a high-point touchdown, while Pettway came alive after beating Bledsoe inside on a skinny post. Hopefully we’ll see more of this group soon.
6. The running back competition behind Rhamondre Stevenson is worth monitoring.
A sneaky battle for an important position for the Patriots’ offense this spring and summer is running back. New England has Rhamondre Stevenson returning in a leadership role, while free agent addition Antonio Gibson joined the team as a receiving back/changeup. However, the competition for RB3 and RB4 is wide open. Additionally, there isn’t much proven depth in the starting role behind Stevenson. JaMychal Hasty was active in Tuesday’s session with three catches, including an impressive back shoulder catch with Ja’Whaun Bentley in coverage. Hasty could earn a role in an offense that wants to run the ball a lot.
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